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Medical Assistance in Dying

As a compassionate provider of patient-centered care, Kingston General Hospital is committed to providing high quality care to all patients suffering from serious illnesses, including patients at the end-of-life. KGH will provide access to Medical Assistance in Dying to adult inpatients who are suffering intolerably as a result of a grievous and irremediable medical condition. All patients who request access to Medical Assistance in Dying will be treated with respect and compassion.

When KGH receives a request for access to Medical Assistance in Dying, we will enter into a robust process of screening, oversight and accountability in line with current recommendations from the Supreme Court of Canada and all professional bodies governing our clinicians. There will be a rigorous process guided by these organizations to ensure that the patient meets the eligibility criteria and is capable of providing clear and informed consent. We also recognize the rights of physicians and other health-care professionals who conscientiously choose to not participate in this service. Those health-care professionals will provide their patients with an effective and timely referral to another caregiver.

Together with our peer hospitals, KGH has developed a policy and guidelines for the provision of this service that conform to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) policy. As the issue of medical assistance in dying is dynamic, we will continue to update our policy as the legislative environment evolves. If Physicians have questions about our policy, they may contact our Director of Medical Affairs at 613-549-6666.